Volume 4 Chapter 57 Shadows of War and Dreams of the Sky
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Afterwards, we parted ways with Iberigo, Lady Arcona, and headed back from the farm to the Love Hotel.
Sitting in the living room, I took a breath and told Tifi and the others what I’d heard from Lady Arcona.
That war might happen someday.
And there’s a chance I’ll be conscripted.
”I see… I thought it might happen someday, but now it’s actually getting that close.”
Tifi lowered her gaze, quietly continuing.
”Actually, even the guild is talking about promoting Mr. Taro to Silver Rank, or maybe even Gold Rank, as an exception.”
Currently, my adventurer level is Copper. That already makes me a veteran. But Silver Rank is elite. And Gold Rank is practically a hero level.
So if I managed to defeat that dragon zombie, it makes sense. No Silver Rank adventurer would believe I could do that.
Also, the demon sardine I use for Tifi’s escort──everyone knows I was the one who brought it in.
Sure, I’ve shown enough worthy deeds to be promoted to Gold Rank. But──
”Gold Rank, huh…”
I sink deep into the sofa and stare at the ceiling.
I don’t mind being pampered a little.
But seeing Gaedaf, a Gold Rank adventurer I know, honestly, I can’t envy him.
The higher your rank, the less freedom you have. More assignments from the kingdom or nobles, and if you refuse, your standing drops.
You’re forced to do jobs you don’t want, trapped. Of course, your earnings go up too. Your reputation is stronger, and you get better services. But I don’t really need that stuff.
”Well… if the guild wants to promote me on their own, fine. If I have to accept a specific request as a condition, then I’ll just refuse.”
Tifi gave a small smile when I said that.
She knows exactly how I feel about it.
The guild side is okay. No bad feelings, and they probably have no reason to oppose me.
The real problem is the kingdom.
They say this war is being started by the kingdom itself.
The recent stampede was a plot by the Demon Race. Maybe it was revenge for what we did. I get it ── we can’t just take being beaten.
It makes sense that the kingdom would move soon.
We fought the dragon zombie in that stampede. We even found out we’re pretty strong ── enough to match high elf power. They even summoned demon sardines.
Seeing all that, knowing their strength, it’s natural they’d want to use us.
Having powerful pieces ── that’s just how nations work.
But honestly, I don’t see a reason to fight.
Sure, if they attack first and innocent people get hurt, maybe I’d want to protect them. But if the kingdom is the one invading ── no way I’ll help.
I definitely don’t like the Demon Race that caused the stampede. Still, I don’t feel like starting a war over it.
They don’t look much like humans ── red eyes, horns. But that’s about it.
They have a country, a society ── a life. I can’t see myself wanting to destroy all that.
Does the kingdom really think I’d help?
I don’t owe them anything. I’m done feeling responsible.
They summoned me without asking, then cast me out when I was useless.
Why would I risk my life fighting for those guys? That’s a joke.
When I think that, I suddenly realize…
Maybe the royal folks don’t see me as the hero they expelled? Even Lady Arkona didn’t really say anything that made it obvious.
By the way, all the heroes who thought I was just the “driver” they summoned ── they’re dead.
Only Yomi is alive now. The 3 we met in Shadow Forest ── they probably never realized it was me.
If that’s right, then the royal people just see me as a simple adventurer.
During the stampede, I only wanted to protect Tifi’s hometown.
But in the end, I was just an adventurer serving the kingdom.
I caused some trouble with the heroes, sure.
But I never really opposed the kingdom itself.
And then, there’s also the hero Neguro, who controlled the dragon zombie.
Neguro was used by the royal castle, discarded, and then rebelled.
The kingdom must have realized relying on heroes is dangerous.
It’s no surprise if the royal castle’s relationship with heroes is starting to look suspicious.
Maybe they will shift their plan──start actively recruiting capable adventurers outside the castle.
Putting trust in no heroes and hiring local adventurers──and then trying to lure a real hero──sounds stupid.
”What do you think happens if we refuse to participate in the war and also refuse the draft?”
When I ask, Tifi’s face clouds over.
”You could be charged with a crime. Refusing military service… that’s draft dodging. But I don’t think they can force an adventurer like Mr. Taro. If the war becomes really serious, the kingdom might change its laws as an emergency measure.”
I’m not officially a citizen of this country, but… does that matter?
”That’s pretty reckless.”
”The kingdom’s really terrible,”
Yomi grumbles, sounding bitter. She’s also been summoned and treated badly, just like me.
Of course, she doesn’t have warm feelings for this kingdom either.
Tifi nods small and keeps talking.
”Yes. And the problem is, if the kingdom pushes hard enough…”
”Pushes hard?”
”Yes. Like, if they realize they can’t easily detain Mr. Taro, they might put pressure on others.”
”Others… like priests or something?”
”Yeah, sorry…”
Tifi nods apologetically.
”Don’t worry. It’s not your fault.”
Of course that’s how it will go. If the people I care about are involved, it’s obvious they’ll find ways to threaten them.
And those people might include Tifi, her foster father──the priest──and others.
Since I married Tifi, the priest is practically like a father-in-law to me. I don’t want to cause trouble for him.
And it’s not just him. Gaedaf, Grandpa Beckus, Iberigo, Arcona and the girls… The ones I met here, who helped me in this town and on this street──there’s a high chance they could be caught in this mess too.
”Just trying to use the lord’s power isn’t enough… now you’re threatening, too?! Doing acts against heaven…!”
Jimphey Elf Rozmiaque, listening from the corner, whispers with a trembling voice. His fists are clenched tight, trembling slightly with anger.
”Lord, maybe we should just destroy a country like that…?”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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